ECE 3002 Early Childhood Arts Education

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Recent theory and research into children's play and artistic development highlights the need for teachers to intervene creatively in children's art-making. Visual symbolisation with 2- and 3- dimensional media is a natural form of communication in early childhood, yet the development of a young child's ability to use this language effectively is dependent on adults who can support the child's acquisition of artistic skills and understandings. This contrasts approaches which favour the natural unfolding of children's artistic abilities and talents, where children's spontaneous art- making is allowed to freely occur. Decisions about the nature and degree of teacher intervention in children's art-making depend on how visual arts is viewed in the curriculum, as well as the image of children held by the educator.

SYNOPSIS:

This course focuses on the visual arts and aesthetics in early childhood, in particular the development of symbolisation and aesthetic awareness, in children aged birth to 8 years. It examines the major theoretical frameworks of arts education in early childhood, and the philosophical principles underlying these. The development of children's symbolisation and aesthetic appreciation is explored through studying young children's artworks and art-making, as well as studying the research on children's artistic and aesthetic development. Students engage in their own art-making and projects in the course to develop their understanding of the elements and principles of art, and the cognitive processes involved in creativity. They also explore the media and techniques appropriate for young children as they develop their artistic knowledge and skills using 2- and 3-dimensional media.

OBJECTIVES:

On completion of this course students will be able to:

1. articulate the importance of visual art as a symbolic language of thinking, expression and communication;
2. describe the major theoretical approaches to integrated visual arts education in early childhood;
3. explain the symbolic development of young children;
4. articulate the principles of aesthetics and aesthetic education for young children;
5. demonstrate an understanding of the elements and principles of the arts and their application to an integrated early childhood educational program;
6. describe the media, techniques, and interactional strategies which support children's developing artistry in early childhood;
7. demonstrate ability to apply the techniques of working with 2- and 3-dimensional media to visual arts education in early childhood.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   (a) There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   (a) To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   (a) If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   (g) To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% in each of the summative assessments and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   (a) The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   (e) There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There is no examination in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES